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Heat Pump Brands Compared — UK
Compare the leading UK air source heat pump brands — Mitsubishi, Daikin, Samsung, Vaillant and Grant — on COP, noise, warranty and MCS certification.
Brand Comparison Table
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Daikin | Samsung | Vaillant | Grant |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top model | Ecodan R32 | Altherma 3 | Gen 6 EHS | aroTHERM plus | Aerona3 R32 |
| SCOP | 3.5-4.0 | 3.8-4.2 | 4.0-4.5 | 3.8-4.2 | 3.5-3.9 |
| Noise at 3m | 38-45 dB(A) | 35-38 dB(A) | 35 dB(A) | 29 dB(A) | 40-42 dB(A) |
| Refrigerant | R32 | R32 | R32 | R290 | R32 |
| Warranty | 5 years | 5 years | 5 years | 7 years | 7 years |
| Installed cost | £8-12K | £9-13K | £7-10K | £9-14K | £8-11K |
Brand Strengths
- Mitsubishi — Largest UK install base, extensive training network, proven track record
- Daikin — Premium Japanese engineering, excellent controls, integrated hot water
- Samsung — Best value for money, high SCOP, competitive pricing
- Vaillant — Quietest units, R290 refrigerant, best for tight sites near neighbours
- Grant — Strong in off-grid market, good for oil-to-heat-pump conversions, Irish/UK support
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Use the Heat Pump Sizing Calculator to determine the correct output rating for your property.
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How We Calculate This
Frequently Asked Questions
Samsung Gen 6 and Daikin Altherma 3 both achieve SCOP values above 4.0 under EN 14825 test conditions (climate zone average). Mitsubishi Ecodan achieves 3.5-4.0. Vaillant aroTHERM plus achieves 3.8-4.2 using R290 (propane) refrigerant. Real-world COP depends heavily on system design, flow temperature and weather — well-designed systems from any brand achieve COP 3.0-4.0 in UK conditions.
Vaillant aroTHERM plus is one of the quietest at 29 dB(A) at 3m. Samsung Gen 6 achieves 35 dB(A). Mitsubishi Ecodan ranges from 38-45 dB(A) depending on model. Daikin Altherma 3 achieves 35-38 dB(A). Grant Aerona3 runs at 40-42 dB(A). Noise levels matter for permitted development rights — units must not exceed 42 dB(A) at the nearest neighbour boundary.
Yes, all five brands have MCS-certified models, which is required for BUS grant eligibility. MCS certification confirms the heat pump meets quality standards, and the installer must also be MCS certified. Check the MCS Installation Database for certified products and installers in your area. Without MCS certification, you cannot claim the £7,500 BUS grant.
Typical installed costs for a 5-10 kW ASHP system including cylinder, controls and commissioning: Mitsubishi Ecodan £8,000-12,000; Daikin Altherma £9,000-13,000; Samsung Gen 6 £7,000-10,000; Vaillant aroTHERM plus £9,000-14,000; Grant Aerona3 £8,000-11,000. All prices before the £7,500 BUS grant. Samsung and Grant tend to be the most competitive on price.
Vaillant aroTHERM plus uses R290 (propane) — a natural refrigerant with near-zero GWP (global warming potential of 3). Most others use R32 (GWP 675) or R410A (GWP 2088). From 2027, F-gas regulations will restrict high-GWP refrigerants further. R290 units are the most future-proof choice. However, R290 is mildly flammable, requiring slightly different installation positioning rules.
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Last updated: April 2026
Verified against UK standards · estimates only, confirm with your supplier.